I saw a burial with a bugler playing taps;
I turned to my father, “what happened?” I asked.
He clutched my hand and with a quiver in his voice,
he began to explain and his eyes became moist.
“My son,” he said, “this is rather difficult for me;
for an old veteran like myself this is tough to see.
In that coffin lies a genuine patriotic warrior,
an honest-to-God hero, an American soldier.
I appreciate that soldier and the service he gave,
and I honor his sacrifice as he’s laid in his grave.
He was honorable, selfless, courageous, and bold;
please remember him son, as you grow old.
The value of his service, I must explain,
if not remembered, will be lost in vain.
As a nation we’re nothing without soldiers like him;
and failing to remember would be a terrible sin.”
I listened in awe as my father spoke,
it seemed as if his heart were broke.
I suddenly remembered when he went to war,
and when he returned I thought nothing more.
I never asked why he walked with a limp,
and I didn’t care about why he was sick.
I was too busy enjoying the life that I had,
to realize that I had it because of dad.
I finally understood what my dad was about,
and it hurt so bad I cried out loud.
He sacrificed so much so I could be free,
and his battle scars were suffered for me.
It was my father’s spirit that spoke to me that day;
thank God I finally understood what he had to say.
I saluted his coffin as they laid him to rest,
and I thought about the medals pinned on his chest.
That I didn’t honor him sooner, I will always regret;
and I pledged that day to never again forget.
I’m proud that my dad was a patriotic warrior;
I’m honored to be the son of an American soldier.

I sat down to study the Netherlands tried to gather all the scoop
Entering every contest cause I'm new to Poetry Soup
I read all the poetry masters to grow I must surely invest
What I've discovered in almost no time is why Soup poets are the best
Zerbst wrote an anthem with some amazing poetic twist
Made me wish I was from Freisland this sprawling sealand really exist
Dr. Ram wrote a history thesis he even quotes the great Shakespeare
The Netherlands in an Italian sonnet another masterpiece was here
Cornish obviously did his homework in couplet form he holds command
Displays the heart and pride of the people when I read his words I want to stand
Andrea's the Soup contest master so you knew she'd draw her pen
With perfection her ode to Freisland, Ms. Dietrich has done it once again
I could go on with the works on Netherlands a shout out to John, Ralph, and Tim
A descriptive write by Huberta van Akkeren, these odes will make sweet Elly grin
So I learned all about the Netherlands another ode wasn't needed from me
To be proud of this majestic country... May she ever be beautiful and free!
Sponsor: Elly Wouterse
Contest Name: Your ode to 'my' Netherlands and/or 'my' Friesland
3-4-14
*Happy Birthday Elle!

Globally, miners jubilantly jump for joy
Smiles on the faces of every girl and boy
The grins of a newly opened Xmas toy
Thatcher’s dead.
Trade unionists bounce along the street
Music blaring and the tapping of feet
From nurses to Bobbies still on the beat
Thatcher’s dead.
Street parties announced in the nation
Satan who brought economic inflation
Is deceased, now’s the time for elation
Thatcher’s dead.
Its times like this I’m sad I’m an atheist
And can only shout and wave my fist
And then go to the pub and get pissed
Thatcher’s dead.

Verse 1
I’ve had this dream now for a while,
But the real world’s where I choose to stay,
The time is now for standing up,
To reach out for that brighter day.
Chorus
Unite to lend a hand to those who are in need,
Unite against them, whose souls are consumed by greed,
Unite and lend a hand, and we can change the world,
We’re the ones we’ve been waiting for.
Verse 2
Walking past two souls holding hands,
I see that it’s true love conquers all,
A dreamland where we all sing and dance,
And hands to catch us should we fall.
(Chorus)
Bridge
United, it’s in our hands,
United, it’s how we stand,
United, across all lands.
Empathy, we understand,
Together, it’s how we stand,
Unite with one voice, One Hand.

We will not ride alone on this momentous journey.
We will ride gathering our numbers, from the great mountains.
We will travel to the valley of rivers, towards the great ocean.
For we have a great army.
Those who enslaved us with their power, stand on the top of the hill.
They stare down over the army below.
An army of vengeance we have gathered.
We will ride to the battle field at the great buildings.
Our intent is to wage war.
Fear will not take us.
You are weak supremacy, you will die by the sword.
You will die by the hand of my fellow warriors.
This is war.
Blood will be spilt.
Men will draw their last breaths as they fall back onto mother earth.
Mother Earth will soak up the spilled blood of our brothers and sisters.
We will be fierce and haste not.
We the suppressed will not retreat.
We the people will rise, with swords and fists.
We are ready to die for what is equitably ours.
This is not an illusion.
The fight against the money mongers, the powers that be.
Those that hold the power, will feel our angry wrath.
None will go unscathed.
We will watch the blood spill in and about the great buildings.
Down the concrete stairs it will flow, rich, deep cherry red.
Into the green of the grass, it flows.
Fear will choke your breath.
Reflections of your past, rushing before you.
Thoughts of the dead, invade your mind.
Hollow is the cry of war, as we charge ahead to fight the battle.
To take the final stand, to give it our all.
Justice will reign by the sword and the all mighty hand.
Judgement day has arrived with this great army gathered beside us.
We will ride, steadfast into the fray.
Make no mistake this day will come upon the powers that be.

Open your eyes to the ever turning skies
I want to here with me through the night
My heart yearns into your soul
Burning as if newly lit coal
I bravely submerg the embers
That the time I have can be spent with you
And I remember each kiss every moment
I was caught in your love that for just this day I remember
So what happened was a chance for your love
A time that I kept in a locket tied with a kiss
I wanted you to feel, to love, to slumber
And to awake in my arms with that times kept bliss
I lay silient in an umber

Before you read this poem, I would like to invite you in reading about the great American sniper hero. I am also dedicating this to the fallen sniper because he is a true Patriotic Hero. Thank you.
Chris Kyle was and still is loved by many, this to be true I say
I always believe him to be, a great sniper to this undying day.
Why must things happen to people, that are always so kind
Life would be better keeping some, alive alongside mankind.
Why don’t I tell you a story, about this very kind honest fellow
He was and is an U.S. Navy Seal, but along that chill and mellow.
The most lethal sniper known of, in American military history
With a very high percentage confirmed kills, quite the victory.
At the young age of eight, his father taught him how to shoot
A great father teaching a son, instead of giving him the boot.
A bronco rider for the rodeo, sadly gave it up for a serious injury
It was to his arm although he still lived, with very great dignity.
Being a great sniper had an effect, putting souls to their bed
Eventually somewhat famous, an increasing bounty upon his head.
Undoubtedly dubbed the “Devil of Ramadi”, by non-other than Iraqi
An increasing bounty shot twice, but his body and will still intact.
After a while serving his country, he retired heading home graciously
Taking back some long spent time, spending it with his family.
Chris Kyle a loved husband, a friend to many and a beloved son
His homeland now saddened, for America has lost a patriotic one.
A great warrior indeed, in my opinion our greatest honorable hero
He put his life on the line, instead of becoming the common zero.
The greatest treasure of all, came from within himself to prove
That all humans aren’t wrongful, but that we all can improve.

PATIENCE
We hear that patience is a virtue
Is this true, or simply virtual reality
When leaders are teaching our youth;
do as I say, not as I do
Regression to a version of the American
truth
Impatience is becoming intolerance
But to be patient is viewed as ignorance
In a blind world conforming to violence
Very few see need for benevolence
Many view crime as way of life
Government fuels fires, causing strife
Committing true crime with their lack of
pride
Our country torn by those who lied
Promoting bigotry and distaste for the
unknown
But these days color and homosexuality
are lactose free
Intolerant of equality, it’s a problem,
clearly
Love is love, embrace the hate
Hold it tightly until it sees the light
Peace pushed just beyond our reach
We realize that “hope and change” was
just a speech
Wars raging through the land we call
home
In God we trust, not this powerful regime
Speak out now with virtuous impatience
Change is change no matter how small
the feat
Restore hope with unfaltering acceptance
and grace
Serve what you stand for, no time left to
waste

Divine Message
If you are able, help the disable
This is the message of Koran & Bible,
This action of helping is very noble,
That's how society will always be stable.
Where every one cares about others,
Not only friends and family members,
Starting from your own neighbors,
Till your city's all corners.
Helping hand you should extend,
Try it and you will like this trend,
Where to do good, has no end,
When, a stranger becomes your friend.
Helping others bring prosperity,
Let's be honest, its reality,
It develops the whole community,
So don't rely always on charity.
Disabled are not a burden to us,
They are talented if we really do notice,
When we teach them, they always progress,
Colors need to fill-in, in their canvas.
All rights are reserved. Syed Imon Rizvi
From a book "Outspoken" - 2012
Available at www.amazon.com

What is it to see the soil of home again?
A welcome, snow-struck and a return
To cold; sharp white contrasts sunburn.
We converse in broken tongues to men
We know, hooked on holiday language
Comprised of wandering hand signs.
Collect the car and pay parking fines,
Drive through towns and over a bridge
Until we reach the Western gateway.
Oh when will we arrive at our house?
No camels there, only field mouse
Which are eaten by our cat anyway.
The plane flies for an age, slyly yawning
Through the stretching, pealing sky,
A knife through air; what it is to fly.
Our travels over; a new day is dawning.

You made a choice,
You broke the mold,
You raised your hand
Now you’re living bold
Oh, yes! You did.
Oh, yes! I did.
You turned your back
On pain and lack.
You said “No, thanks,
I’m not going back!”
Oh, yes! You did.
Oh, yes! I did.
When everyone else
Was still asleep,
You opened your eyes
And took a peek.
Oh, yes! You did.
Oh, yes! I did.
You saw the path
You made a way
You challenged fear
Now you’re here to stay.
Oh, yes! You did.
Oh, yes! I did.
Mama said “NO!”
Daddy said “No!”
Sista said “No!”
And so did your bro.
Oh,yes! They did
Oh, yes! They did
But you turned your back
On mediocrity and lack,
Said “Oh, no! This is it!”
I’m done with trouble
I don’t miss pain
I’m looking for joy
Personal growth and gain.
Oh, yes! You did.
Oh, yes! I did.
Yeah, you turned your back
On sorrow and lack
On worry and grief
On fear and blame
You took the steps
You fought the fight
Then you stormed the stage
On Saturday night!
Oh, yes! You did!
Oh, yes! I did!
You had a four step plan
In the palm of your hand.
You fought your fear
Courage brought you here
Oh, yes! It did!
Oh, yes! It did!
Now you’re happy and bold
You broke the mold
You’re living large
Fighting the fight
Taking your cruises
Changing your life
You’re done with the bruises
Oh, yes! You did!
Oh, yes! I did!
You’re soaring now
Taking life higher
Nothin gonna hold you
Did what we told you
Oh, yes! You did!
Oh, yes! I did!
The warmest of the warm
Came along for the ride
Shoulder to shoulder
They stand by your side.
Oh, Yes! They did!
Oh, Yes! They did!
Mama said “No!”
Daddy said “No!”
Sista said “No!”
And so did your bro.
Oh, yes! They did!
Oh, yes! They did!
You know it don’t matter
Roaches gonna scatter
You got new familia now
Go on, take a bow!
We got elevation
Heart elation
We’re all one family
Livin in the Nation!
Oh, yes! We did!
Oh, yes! We did!

They gathered there that fateful night,
To discuss the plans of a wondrous flight,
That would take them far from chains that bind,
Where freedom is more than thoughts of the mind.
But, an air of uncertainty filled the hall,
And the penalty for treason meant death to all,
That gathered there to pen their name,
On that parchment of independence proclaimed.
Then a bold voice cried, "Sign My Friends!
For that document tells of the rights of men,
Whose souls have a yearning to be free,
To search for their dreams and destiny.
And God has given us this great land.
What more do we need to understand,
That to fight and die for a noble cause,
Is a grand opportunity if ever was."
Yes, the strangers voice rang loud and clear,
As he spoke to their hearts more than the ear.
Then he fell with exhaustion into his chair,
And when some ran to thank him, he was not there.
Though the door was bolted and a guard stood strong,
It seemed that the stranger had vanished, was gone.
But, the words he spoke were like bolts of light,
And all in attendance knew he was right.
Then they signed their names without a fear,
And seventeen seventy-six was the year.
Yes, they'd taken the bull by the horns,
And in that moment a nation was born.

Today in New York's harbor
I saw a majestic lady
With her torch raised for all to see
The millions who've seen her
Know she stands for
Not what is but what can be
Passed Ellis Island on a dreamer's ferry
When an old friend walked up to me
A heart's hope question
Life's in the daring
Climb the mountain
Live to be free
People lost and hiding
Energy spent disguising
Seemingly progressing
But it's just fantasy
Existing not living
Longing but not loving
But it can all change
That's my hope
That's my heart
That's my.. Statue of Liberty!
*For Isaiah's "Patriotic Poem" Contest

7,100 islands, you are made up..
Pearl of the orient seas, that's how you are..
Cradle of four civilization, historians says..
Only Christian nation, even they speak..
Abounded with vast green forests..
Surrounded by shallow to deep trenches...
Choose wether to white and black sands of beaches..
Each island is an enticement...
Every province has it's own native delicacy...
Each one is known for its festival felicity..
Poor as it may seem yet great in hospitality..
Enabling each tourist to feel welcome in grandiosity...
Look around, you will see a smile..
Scattered genuine friendship in mile..
Wether you are black, white or yellow skin..
They don't care as long as you're clean...
Clever and intelligent...
Creative and truly magnificent..
Small probably by height..
Yet, if known you'll be full in sight..
God fearing - spirited by nature..
Responsible enough for the future..
Families implants love to nurture..
Obviously seen in each Filipino creature...
By: olive_eloi
26/09/2013
10:29am

The rolling hills so green and tender
Mountains on high i will always remember
Colours of the seasons so fresh in my mind
All of the beauty so easy to find
This is England,the country i live
The country i would die for,the country i love
The fields the forest the mountain stream
The hills the dales the lakes agleam
Scent of summer so strong on the breeze
My land of beauty thats so hard to leave
This is England the country i adore
Home of truth,faith,hope much more
And if the time comes then leave it i shall
To a foreign country an unknown land
Where the thoughts of England will always remain
In Gods own country ,Gods domain

it's best done later and not now
tomorrow will be perfect i can vow
Why yoke yourself like a laden cow?
The cloud is heavy and ready to snow
Be merry with life and take it real slow
And in observing the cloud u didn't sow
Alas the seed dies with its great potential
buried with a would have been credential
The plan became an aborted mission
Because procrastination stole the vision

A poem for republic day.....
~~~~~ Jai Hind ~~~~~~~~
From great nation, India, we hail,
Where Indus valley used to prevail.
Emperors came, emperors gone,
We always regained our own throne.
Last was the English invasion on us,
Brutal than Alexander, Ghazni, and Poras,
Wings of Golden Bird were torn,
To teach Non-violence, Bapu was born.
Bhagat, Rajguru, Sukhdev chose their way,
With combined efforts came a strong ray.
Nehru, Lala, Shashtri we can’t forget,
But for unsung heroes we regret.
Finally the moment of freedom came,
Now the wildest elephant we could tame.
Tricolour perpetually tells us to go on,
Despite of Ram, Rahim, Aryan or John.
Democracy, harmony we really praise,
Most of the intellectuals of all, we raise.
Tell everyone this noble story.
How to take the nation to zenith of glory.
Independence and republic day are not only to celebrate,
We must ever have full respect to commemorate.
India is united from Kashmir to Chennai and Assam to Sind,
Let’s come together and say aloud Jai Hind Jai Hind Jai Hind.
Written by: I. B. Chhetri

to gather all nations,
under one resolution.
to bring peace to one world,
where the society may not deserve it.
ti rise out of the undertow of a violent shadow;
blessings and fruit where it may not fit.
not lacking of freedom,
not lacking of anything.
a world where it does not know how valuable or needed it is.
no more danger of spontaneous violence,
where the light can shine for everyone,
even when the world is trying to drag you down......!!!

Fireworks slide down the back of my tongue
Some went north to imitate stars,
knowing all to well they wouldn’t even make it to the stratosphere
A fire can’t breathe with no air
Ask that man in the alley why he has to shoot black skies into his veins to see them.
You probably have more in common than you might think.
Satellite transmissions making waves like the oceans they cover
Healthy food is expensive, while poison is damn near free!
There is a storm coming
Grab your blankets and I will tell you how it ends with a new beginning.

Liberty Statue
There she stands with torch in her hand.
Beaconing freedom throughout the land.
Welcoming those who come to this land..... of the free.
She doesn't care what color you are.
Whether you come from near or from far.
Many an eye has shed a tear.
To see her so Proudly welcoming you here.
This lady we call Liberty was a gift from France to you and me.
She stands on an island called Liberty, all on her own.
Letting one and all visit her home.
Greeting people of all nations who come to this land.
Liberty is the name she is called.
And Heaven help us if ever does she fall.
CLB520